# PathFile™

> Three-File Mechanical Glide Path Sequence

- **Manufacturer:** Dentsply Sirona
- **Motion:** Continuous Rotation
- **Alloy:** Conventional NiTi
- **Key feature:** Three-file rotary glide path sequence (013/.02, 016/.02, 019/.02) for progressive mechanical enlargement before shaping files

## Specifications

| File | Tip (mm) | Taper | Length | Cross-section | Motion | Speed (rpm) | Torque | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| PathFile #1 | 0.13 | 2% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Square | Continuous Rotation | 300 | — | glide path |
| PathFile #2 | 0.16 | 2% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Square | Continuous Rotation | 300 | — | glide path |
| PathFile #3 | 0.19 | 2% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Square | Continuous Rotation | 300 | — | glide path |

## Protocol

### Glide Path

1. **Access and Initial Scouting** — Prepare straight-line access to the canal orifice. Explore the canal with a #10 K-file to at least #10 size. Establish working length. Irrigate and lubricate the canal.
   - A reproducible glide path to at least #10 K-file is recommended before using PathFile instruments (per DFU)
   - Straight-line access is a prerequisite for proper endodontic treatment (per DFU)
   - Frequent irrigation and lubrication throughout the procedure may help reduce instrument stress
   - ⚠ Do not use PathFile instruments without first confirming canal patency with a #10 K-file
   - ⚠ Exercise caution in the apical area and around significant curvatures (per DFU)

### Shaping

1. **PathFile #1 (013/.02) to Working Length** — Use PathFile #1 (013/.02) at 300 RPM to working length. Use minimal apical pressure and do not force the file down the canal. Clean flutes frequently after removing the file from the canal. Irrigate. _(File: PathFile #1 · 300 RPM · Clockwise continuous rotation with minimal apical pressure)_
   - Use minimal apical pressure — do not force the file down the canal (per DFU)
   - Clean the flutes frequently during instrumentation after the file is removed from the canal (per DFU)
   - Irrigate and lubricate the canal between passes
   - ⚠ Do not force the file if resistance is felt — withdraw, irrigate, and reconfirm patency
2. **PathFile #2 (016/.02) to Working Length** — Use PathFile #2 (016/.02) at 300 RPM to working length. Continue with minimal apical pressure and frequent flute cleaning. Irrigate. _(File: PathFile #2 · 300 RPM · Clockwise continuous rotation with minimal apical pressure)_
   - The sequential increase from 013 to 016 provides a gradual enlargement of the glide path
   - Continue irrigating and lubricating between instruments
   - ⚠ Do not force the file if resistance is felt — withdraw, irrigate, and reconfirm patency
3. **PathFile #3 (019/.02) to Working Length** — Use PathFile #3 (019/.02) at 300 RPM to working length. This completes the mechanical glide path and prepares the canal for rotary shaping files. Irrigate the expanded glide path. _(File: PathFile #3 · 300 RPM · Clockwise continuous rotation with minimal apical pressure)_
   - The final 019 glide path provides an appropriate canal diameter for subsequent shaping files
   - A chelating gel or lubricant may facilitate progression in calcified canals
   - ⚠ Do not force the file if resistance is felt — withdraw, irrigate, and reconfirm patency

### Finishing

1. **Verification and Transition to Shaping** — After PathFile #3 reaches working length, irrigate the expanded glide path. Reconfirm working length before proceeding with rotary shaping files such as ProTaper Universal or ProTaper Gold.
   - PathFile instruments create a mechanical glide path suitable for ProTaper Universal, ProTaper Gold, or other rotary shaping sequences (per DFU)
   - Verify working length after glide path expansion before proceeding to shaping
   - Irrigate copiously between glide path and shaping sequences

## Clinical Tips

- PathFile instruments operate at 300 RPM (per DFU). A slow-speed handpiece with continuous rotation is recommended.
- The three-file sequence (013, 016, 019) provides progressive glide path enlargement from a #10 K-file to a size suitable for rotary shaping files.
- Conventional NiTi alloy provides predictable superelastic behavior in the glide path preparation phase.
- PathFile instruments are designed as a dedicated glide path system and may be considered a precursor to the single-file ProGlider.
- Frequent irrigation and lubrication throughout the procedure may help reduce torsional stress on the instruments (per DFU).
- Single patient use — do not reprocess or reuse (per DFU).

## Warnings

- Single patient use — do not reprocess or reuse (per DFU)
- A slow-speed handpiece is recommended for rotary file use (per DFU)
- Operate the handpiece at 300 RPM (per DFU)
- Straight-line access is a prerequisite for proper endodontic treatment (per DFU)
- Use minimal apical pressure — do not force the files down the canal (per DFU)
- Clean the flutes frequently during instrumentation (per DFU)
- Exercise caution in the apical area and around significant curvatures (per DFU)
- Non-sterile product — sterilize before use per ANSI/ADA Specification 28 at 136°C for 20 minutes (per DFU)

## Best for

- multi-file mechanical glide path preparation
- companion to ProTaper Universal and ProTaper Gold shaping sequences
- progressive enlargement from #10 K-file to rotary-ready diameter

## Technical profile

- **Category:** multi-file-rotary
- **Heat treatment:** Conventional — PathFile instruments use conventional NiTi alloy without thermomechanical processing. The alloy remains austenitic at body temperature, providing standard superelastic behavior.
- **Manufacturing method:** ground
- **Pre-bendable:** no
- **Reuse:** Single-use
- **Motor:** any-rotary
- **Glide path requirement:** manual-only — Manual #10 K-file to confirm a reproducible glide path before using PathFile sequence
- **Canal suitability:** Curvature: mild, moderate; Canal size: narrow, normal; Calcified canals: no; Retreatment: no; Conservative access: no
- **Content revision:** 2026-03-25

## FAQ

**What alloy is PathFile made from?**

PathFile™ is manufactured from Conventional NiTi.

**How many files are in the PathFile sequence?**

The PathFile™ system includes 3 files: PathFile #1, PathFile #2, PathFile #3.

**What is the PathFile file sequence?**

PathFile™ is used in this order: PathFile #1 → PathFile #2 → PathFile #3. Per-file speed, torque and technique are in the protocol section above.

**What motion type does PathFile use?**

PathFile™ uses continuous rotation motion.

**What cases is PathFile best for?**

PathFile™ is best suited for: multi-file mechanical glide path preparation, companion to ProTaper Universal and ProTaper Gold shaping sequences, progressive enlargement from #10 K-file to rotary-ready diameter.

**What speed and torque settings are recommended for PathFile?**

Recommended settings: 300 RPM and — across the file sequence (refer to official DFU for full per-file parameters).

## References

- [Manufacturer instructions for use (DFU/IFU)](https://www.dentsplysirona.com/content/dam/dentsply/pim/manufacturer/Endodontics/Glide_Path__Shaping/Rotary__Reciprocating_Files/Glide_Path/PathFile_Rotary_Files/Pathfile-2rnesuo-en-1402)

## Related

- [HTML page](https://endo-guide.app/system/pathfile)
- [Manufacturer hub: Dentsply Sirona Systems](https://endo-guide.app/manufacturer/dentsply-sirona)
- [Compare systems](https://endo-guide.app/compare)
- Other languages: [Türkçe](https://endo-guide.app/tr/system/pathfile.md) · [Español](https://endo-guide.app/es/sistema/pathfile.md)
- [llms.txt](https://endo-guide.app/llms.txt) · [EndoGuide (Markdown)](https://endo-guide.app/index.md)

---

_Educational reference for dental professionals. Always confirm settings against the official manufacturer instructions for use before clinical procedures._